Key Points The CDC recommends that dental unit water used in non-surgical procedures measure less than or equal to 500 colony forming units of heterotrophic bacteria per milliliter (<500 CFU/mL) of water, the standard set for drinking water by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Use sterile saline or sterile water as a coolant/irrigant when performing surgical procedures. Follow dental unit manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining and monitoring the quality of dental unit water.

This report consolidates previous recommendations and adds new ones for infection control in dental settings. Recommendations are provided regarding 1) educating and protecting dental health-care personnel; 2) preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens; 3) hand hygiene; 4) personal protective equipment; 5) contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity; 6) sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items; 7) environmental infection control; 8) dental unit waterlines, biofilm, and water quality; and 9) special considerations (e.g., dental handpieces and other devices, radiology, parenteral medications, oral surgical procedures, and dental laboratories). These recommendations were developed in collaboration with and after review by authorities on infection control from CDC and other public agencies, academia, and private and professional organizations.

Key Points The CDC recommends that dental unit water used in non-surgical procedures measure less than or equal to 500 colony forming units of heterotrophic bacteria per milliliter (<500 CFU/mL) of water, the standard set for drinking water by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Use sterile saline or sterile water as a coolant/irrigant when performing surgical procedures. Follow dental unit manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining and monitoring the quality of dental unit water.

This report consolidates previous recommendations and adds new ones for infection control in dental settings. Recommendations are provided regarding 1) educating and protecting dental health-care personnel; 2) preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens; 3) hand hygiene; 4) personal protective equipment; 5) contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity; 6) sterilization and disinfection of patient-care items; 7) environmental infection control; 8) dental unit waterlines, biofilm, and water quality; and 9) special considerations (e.g., dental handpieces and other devices, radiology, parenteral medications, oral surgical procedures, and dental laboratories). These recommendations were developed in collaboration with and after review by authorities on infection control from CDC and other public agencies, academia, and private and professional organizations.